10 LAWS OF MARYLAND [CH. 4

ity to provide facilities for special training to increase the
efficiency of new and old employees.

52G. (a) An employee may be permanently separated
from the Classified Service through resignation, rejection
on probation or removal for cause, and may be temporarily
separated through suspension pending charges, or leave of
absence granted at the request of the employee.

(b) The County Commissioners may at any time before
the expiration of a probationary period, to be prescribed by
rule, which in no event shall exceed six (6) months, dis-
charge any person appointed to a classified position. The
employee so discharged shall be considered permanently
separated from such position.

(c) No employee who has completed his or her probation
may have his position abolished. No employee may be
permanently removed from the Classified Service except
for cause, upon written charges and after an opportunity to
be heard in his own defense. Such charges shall be filed by
the County Commissioners and within thirty (SO) days
after such filing, and notice thereof to the employee by
mailing a copy of said charge addressed to the employee at
his or her address carried in the records of the Classified
Service, shall be investigated, heard and determined by
the State Employment Commissioner. The finding and de-
cision of the Commissioner shall be final and shall be certi-
fied to the County Commissioners and shall be forthwith
enforced by them.

(d) The County Commissioners shall by rule prescribe
what may constitute cause for removal, but no removal
shall be allowed because of the religious or political opinions
or affiliations, or age of any employee, provided he or she
shall be physically capable of performing the duties of his
or her employment.

52-1. (a) The County Commissioner may, from time to
time, adopt such rules and regulations, not inconsistent with
the provisions of this sub-title, as shall implement the in-
tendment of this Act. Such rules and regulations may be
amended from time to time.

(b) A copy of the rules and regulations shall be kept on
file in the office of the County Commissioners, for public
instruction and inspection.

SEC. 2. And be it further enacted, That this Act shall
take effect June 1, 1953.